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Former Zim captain and current ZC Technical Director David Houghton has called for Zimbabwe to return to Test cricket sooner rather than later. In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent, Houghton pointed out that Test matches would provide a better way for the current crop of players than the schedule of ODI and Intercontinental Cup matches that is currently in place:

"I know the administrators have their timeframe. But I think by playing in the longer version, it gives you time to hone your skills. It’s good practice for ODI cricket. In ODIs, it’s much more difficult for bowlers because they have to bowl in the right areas consistently; otherwise you get clobbered all over the park. As a batsman you don’t just have to bat to survive. You take risks. Basically in Test cricket you get time to recover."

He does, however, recognise that Zimbabwe will need to choose their opposition carefully when the Test return does come:

"Let’s pick sides close to us and then work up the ladder. Let’s get Bangladesh, play them on non-turning wickets. Let’s get West Indies and play them on a turning wicket, because they don’t particularly like wickets that turn."

He goes on to praise the new franchise system, which is bringing much needed depth to the player pool and providing some much-needed competition for places. The full interview can be read on the Independent's website.
Zimbabwe Independent - Let’s make early Test comeback — Houghton